Quote:people would rather "ask" how to do something than expend some effort and find out for themselves by reading.

Well, there are a lot of books. How do you know the one you need? Much easier to ask in the forums. Easier than using the search function also since there is always someone that complains you didn't use it and point to the relevant posts

Forums like these and friends who RV (I guess it's hard to enter in this world by yourself) basically would make such a business not profitable, I'd think.

Tom_Diane wrote:Im sure that this has been mentioned before but reading these post, mostly in the beginners forum, for a traveling classroom. Im one that is always dreaming or looking for ways to turn an honest dollar. It occurs to me that since I like to travel, why not be compensated. My thoughts are that being an experienced (Proffesional truck driver in my other life) that I could help those who are "nervous," or "scared to death" or is just not confident enough or able to pull or back an rv. At one time, I had considered going into the screen print buisness but wanted a commercial set up. The companies I contacted, many of which had a rep on site for set up and learning to operate the equipment for 2 weeks at a rate of something like $2000.00. I was thinking along the lines of $1000 to 1500 per rv couple or person plus some mileage charge. I could see an itinerary of learning some basics such as, like a commercial driver, a walk around inspection, doing a walk thru inspection and what to look for when looking or buying an rv. Figuring weights of TV and RV.and a second week of driving like drivers ed to include proper backing,set up and taking down. I see alot of apprehension on the forum about RVing by some. I know a fella who just started rving this year but the first 2 times out he had problems. He was admittedly overwelmed by the info the rv dealer gave him and so he confided in me. I walked him thru his first setup but I wasnt there when he entered the park. He scraped a tree with his brand new rv. No damage this time. 2 weeks later he comes out and moves from one site to a better site. He pulls his breakaway cable out and the brakes lock up and he has no idea what had happened. I was too far away to get to him when I saw the dilemma but another park user helped him. He circled the camp area to try to get to the site he decided on and he got the same tree but this time the tree was unforgiving and he tore up his roof so it is in the shop for repairs. He said that he pulled it down the hill with the RV brakes set up and they were smoking when he got to the place where I saw him about 1/2 mile. He now knows that if the brakes are set up that the unit wont track normally. He literally dragged it into the tree.Any how Ive seen some issues on that forums that could use some one on one real life experience. Are there any similar programs out there that anyone knows about thats not just a You tube video or a CD to purchase which are useless in the experience department. Of course I would have to get some kind of accredidation also. Just pondering!

While you have a great ideal, i'm sorry to say i see absolutely no one willing too pay that kind of money to someone when they can get most of the same information for FREE. Now maybe a little spending money but no where close to what your proposing.

There is a big difference from reading about something or watching a video and actually being taught to do something - and an area prime for hands on training is backing up a trailer. You have a good idea and as someone else here suggested you should contact the local RV dealers and see if you can contract with them to provide this service to their customers or have them refer potential buyers to you so that you can teach them the basics so that they will be more comfortable to buy. Also as someone suggested, you absolutely would need to carry good liability insurance coverage, and for a business this is costly. As I am sure you know, starting a business is a complicated thing and you need to be prepared yourself for all the requirements that there may be for doing something like this in your state.

I don't know about spending all that money, when you can learn by doing for free, go to any CG & start backing in, if you even Look like you're haveing a problem, it's almost guarantied that someone, (usually with a lot of knowledge) will come over to help you, FOR FREE, (or maybe for a beer), it's not that hard to learn, as long as you & your guide are on the same sheet of music.

chracatoa wrote:Well, there are a lot of books. How do you know the one you need? Much easier to ask in the forums. Easier than using the search function also since there is always someone that complains you didn't use it and point to the relevant posts

Are you saying that this is some sort of discussion forum where someone might ask a quick question?

Tom, I am the only one who sees what you see, so we both can't be wrong. LOL

There are many times that recently single lady has come here to get encouraegment about driving their rigs and RVing alone. I see a need there that you fill - teaching them how to drive and be comfortable doing so.

If you offered a service to inspect a MH before the person signs the dotted line where you could give a professional opinion about the engine, generator, brake system, etc. and take it for a test drive for them, it would help those buying used MH's as total NOOBIES or those upgrading from a tow behind.

What that service is worth, I do not know. Whether it offers a steady income, I can't say. But, I sure do see a lot of folks here asking how to go about getting an RV inspection by an impartial professional before they drive home with it. This is especially true for those buying used directly from the owner.

The RV dealer we bought from charged $500 for an inspection which would then be applied to the purchase, if there was a purchase. If not, it was forfeited. Hmmm dealer agrees to inspect a MH on his lot for $500? I don't think this is an impartial inspection, do you? lol

It might also be an idea that insurance companies would like. Before they loan money on the purchase of a MH, they will know its condition. Another source of business?

I think if thisd idea would work, it would only be for those with high end Class A's and possibly a 5th wheel or two. From my years here on the forum, one thing I have learned is that the majority of them don't want to spend any money. I can't see someone paying $1000 to learn something, that a few trips will teach them. Especially when people fuss at spending $30/night on a campground space or pay $25/year for a club membership that offers a forum that gives much more valuable information and a social outlet from other campers. Not to include some of the other perks.